ERA Board Meeting: A sector keen to grow stronger

On the 30th of November 2023, the Board meeting of the European Rabbit Association (ERA) took place in Brussels in a nice and constructive atmosphere. Members shared the latest national initiatives and good practices, discussed the main challenges of the sector and possible solutions as well as strategic actions to be undertaken in 2024.

ERA’s members expressed their will to reinforce the association in order to make it even more efficient and influential. The European rabbit sector is ambitious and wants to provide its contribution to future relevant discussions such as the recently published legislative proposal on the protection of animals during transport.  

In this regard, ERA voiced its deep concern about the red tape that the proposed regulation will generate and the significant consequences it will have on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the rabbit sector which is, furthermore, not in a position to bear the huge investments that these too drastic changes would entail. This is the reason why, ERA calls for pragmatic and balanced solutions, financially supported by public authorities. Maintaining the competitiveness of the EU sector also requires applying the same standards to imported products, especially in a sector where China produces more than 50% of world’s rabbits.

Moreover, ERA Board members reaffirmed their wish to take part in the strategic dialogue on the future of the EU agriculture that will be launched in January 2024 by the European Commission. 

The 2024 European elections will shape a new political landscape. ERA will carry on bringing the voice of the European rabbit sector in an open and constructive spirit.